Being cast in a TV show like Heated Rivalry should be cause for celebration for any actor, but for Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie, life is about to become complicated.
Heated Rivalry is one of the numerous gay shows out there with a rabid fanbase — one that stalks, insults, bullies, and belittles everyone in the show’s orbit.
Since the show became a breakout hit last year, its cast and creatives have been pleading regularly to be left alone.
But for Justice and Charlie, life is not going to become worse because they’ll have an obsessive fanbase, although that might happen.
Something else that might happen is that they will be highly scrutinized. Oh wait, they are.
Posts are already out criticizing the Justice’s casting decision because he is not fat (plus-sized, if you will) like the character he is supposed to play is portrayed in the comics.
Body diversity is an important issue in the gay community, and many feel like it is a missed opportunity.
Still, this is Justice Smith we’re talking about here. He lost weight for his acclaimed role in I Saw the TV Glow and brought femme queen realness in Genera+ion. Justice Smith can do anything.
Photo: Warrick Page/HBOWelcome to ‘Heated Rivalry’ Boys
He can do anything, including promising to do a great job.
“I am moved by the support and love I’m getting from fans in my dms, fans who have welcomed me with open arms and who already feel a responsibility to protect me,” he posted on his Instagram story after the story broke.
“I am honored to play a character that you all care about deeply and I promise that I will take good care of him if you give me the chance,” he wrote, adding, “I am beyond excited for the experience.”
Smith has already gotten praise for bringing queer visibility to the show as a queer person, but he needs not forget that he is too famous for the role.
Some fans wanted unknown names in.
Things are calmer for Gillespie, whose social media history is undoubtedly being pulled apart for his political views, with MAGA accusations being lodged at him.
And the fact that he’s not an out queer actor? Well, that’s queerbaiting.
Gillespie is famously known for having chemistry with anyone he chooses, as shown in Julie and the Phantoms.
That’s something series creator Jacob Tierney promises, saying that they were looking for actors who “could create something special,” and this duo does “exactly that.”
Who Do Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie Play In ‘Heated Rivalry’ Season 2?
Photo: Kailey Schwerman/NetflixCrave has not released the official character descriptions, but based on Rachel Reid‘s book titled Role Model, Smith plays Harris Drover while Gillespie plays Troy Barrett.
Troy is a member of Ilya’s team with a history of bullying, while Harris is the team’s social media manager.
Harris is supposed to be fat, but Smith is not.
Troy is traded to the Ottawa team after some troubling history with a teammate on his former Toronto team. Harris makes it his mission to get him out of his shell.
Production for Heated Rivalry Season 2 has already started.
Hopefully things don’t get worse from here for both actors, and they get to enjoy the experience.
Hopefully they can match Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams‘ acclaimed performances, or they are going to get eviscerated no matter the sexual chemistry.
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